How to Stay Safe as a Woman While Out
I love to go grab a coffee, get drinks with friends, and explore new places. And no matter where I go I always have my keys, wallet, phone and depending on what I’m doing, usually a purse or tote bag.
It’s easy to set these items down without giving it much of a thought but with this mindless action you could be setting yourself and/or your things up to be an easy target.
And while these items are just “things” and can be replaced it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep these simple safety tips in mind when you’re out and about.
Don’t keep your items at the edge of your table.
It’s only natural for you to want to set your things down right next to you when go to sit down but be mindful of where you are placing them. Don’t set important items like your cell phone, wallet, or keys on the outside edge of table. Place them on the inside where you are facing your items so someone can’t easily swipe them. If they are off to the side where you can’t see them and are distracted, someone can easily walk by and grab the item before you even realize it’s gone.
Always keep an eye on your drink.
It doesn’t matter whether it’s water, coffee, or a cocktail -- always have your drink in sight. It’s easy to get caught up in a conversation with a friend or be working on your laptop but a small misplacement of your drink could leave it open to someone will ill intentions. They can slip something in your drink when you’re not paying attention and at that point who knows what could happen.
If you have to get up and leave your drink and you’re with someone you trust have them watch it but better yet, just get up to do what you need in between drinks. If you need to get up to go to the bathroom, some may cringe at the idea and depending on the environment you’re in, you can always take your drink with you. Personally, I would stay clear of putting a napkin or coaster over your drink if you need to step away. Yes, it will be more obvious to other patrons if someone attempts to drug your drink but you’re relying on other people to be paying attention. And in today’s world, most people are pretty oblivious to what is happening around them.
If you have any doubt that your drink might be compromised, order a new one. Better safe than sorry.
Don’t hang your bag on the back of your chair.
If the place is crowded or if you’re distracted, leaving your bag on the back of your chair makes it an easy target for someone to steal it or try to steal something out of it. If you’re sitting at a bar or counter, oftentimes they have hooks underneath that you can use to hang your bag. Check to see if the place your at has them.
Alternatively, you can keep your bag in your lap depending on the size, between your feet, or tucked under the table. You can also buy a bag magnet or bag hook you can place on your table so you can your bag and keep it in front of you.
Use windows to check your surroundings.
I’m sure we’ve all been there…as you’re passing a store window you check yourself out to make sure your hair or outfit are in the right place. But you can also use the reflection of the window to see who is is behind you. Depending on the window, you may not get a perfect view but if there was someone that caught your eye and made you feel uncomfortable, you can do a quick glance to the window to see they are following you. This gives you another vantage point to check around you so that you can make the best decision, if you need to, for whatever situation you might be in.
ASK SOMEONE TO WALK YOU TO YOUR CAR.
Don’t be afraid or feel embarrassed to ask an employee or security guard of an establishment or retail store to walk you to your car. There is safety in numbers.
DON’T KEEP YOUR PHONE IN YOUR BACK POCKET.
Slipping your phone into your back pocket is easy and simple way to put it away. But phones these days are only getting larger and they tend to stick out of your back pocket. With a quick distracting bump or a graze in a crowded place, you won’t feel or even notice the slight of hand when someone pulls that phone right out of your back pocket. Get in the habit of putting in your purse, a secured pocket, or get a crossbody cell phone case that allows you carry you phone on your person.
ALWAYS MAINTAIN SITUATIONAL AWARENESS.
Always be aware of your surroundings by observing, identifying, and understanding what is happening in the environment around you. From driving, to walking, to conversing with a neighbor, you always want to be aware of what is happening around you. You want to put yourself in a position to observe, detect, and avoid/react. Being situationally aware means you are less likely to be a target and you are reducing your risk by paying attention.
CARRY A SELF DEFENSE TOOL.
Don’t shy away from carrying a self-defense tool. There are many options that range from something simple as a flashlight to pepper spray. Carry something that you are comfortable carrying and that you will learn how to use efficiently.
Lastly, ALWAYS TRUST YOUR GUT.
Be cautious of any distraction. This isn’t about blowing anyone off that comes to talk to you because most are just looking to engage in some friendly conversation. After all, nothing is wrong with meeting new people in person versus over an app. But just be cautiously optimistic of their intentions. And if something doesn’t feel right or look right, don’t ignore that. Listen to what it’s telling you and take appropriate action.